BSA Bike Ride – North Bedfordshire

Bedford School Association Cycling Event  - North Bedfordshire

In line with Step 3 of the Government's Roadmap out of lockdown, groups of up to 30 people should be able to meet outdoors from 17th May, with possibly some Covid-19 protocols in place.  Providing this progresses as planned, we are delighted to be able to invite you to join us for our second BSA Cycling Event on Sunday 20th June.

The event is intended to be a gentle ride of around 20 miles (with some hills), suitable for all levels whether you’re a newcomer to the sport or a seasoned cyclist. A map of the route can be found below.

Heading down De Parys Avenue, you'll warm up as we ride out to Stevington via Biddenham and Bromham.  We will then encounter a few hills, before we descend into Harrold Country Park via Carlton.  Here we will stop for a break and refreshments.  On leaving Harrold Country park we will travel through Odell, Felmersham, Pavenham and Oakley, before returning to Bedford via Clapham.  

Event timing
We will meet at the entrance to Bedford Park at the top of De Parys Avenue from 8.45am onwards.  We aim to start the ride at 9am. 

Food and drink
Please make sure that you have enough food and drink for the ride. The coffee shop at Harrold Country Park should be open for drinks and cakes which you will be able to purchase during our break.  However, we do advise that you bring refreshments in case the coffee shop is closed or very busy.  

Starting
We will be splitting into five groups of six people.  Each group which will start at three-minute intervals to ensure that we leave sufficient space between the groups. 

The course
We will reconnoitre the route the day before and will share before the start the location of any road works or obstructions.

Course markings
There will be no route markings out on the road as it is a straightforward circular course.   However, we will provide a map at the start of the ride (route also shown below).  There will also be designated chaperones who will make sure that no one gets left behind and can also help in the event of a mechanical issue.

Drink station
There will not be any drink stations other than the one at Harrold Country Park.  We suggest that you bring enough drink and food to last the event.

Emergencies
If possible, please bring a mobile phone with you. You will find contact phone numbers on your map in case of an emergency. The phone numbers are for use in emergencies only. Please do not call these numbers for non-emergency situations.

At the finish
We will ensure that everyone is safely back at the end of the ride.  If you are planning to go straight home, rather than come back to Bedford Park, please let us know in advance. 

Spares and repairs
Please ensure that your bike is roadworthy and that you are carrying basic tools, inner tubes and a pump to fix punctures or mechanical problems you may experience. A basic first aid kit will be available during the ride.

Weather
We are very conscious that the weather is very changeable at this time of the year.  We will keep a careful eye on the weather leading up to the event and will contact you the night before via text, if for some reason we have to cancel the event.

Please ensure that you have suitable clothing for the time of year.

Health and safety
Riders participate at their own risk. The School and the BSA cannot accept any liability for accidents, however, caused while participants are on the public roads.  Please read our “BSA riding etiquette” which is intended to provide some simple guidance to ensure that everyone remains safe.

Registration
To register your interest please complete our online form HERE by noon on Monday 14th June.

Route Map